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Hi, I'm thinking of applying to YWW this year and I'm a bit lost on what they want to see in the reflective essay. The instructions were really loose and I'm unsure about things like length, formal/informal, etc. I'm guessing the point of the loose instructions is that applicants can get creative, but I'm worried about expected length. Any tips? What were your essays like? Anyone also applying for the 2016 YWW? I would love to talk!

Zarareplied...Jul. 2 at 6:41 am

Hey Serena I`m also going to the YWW 2016! I hope it will be cool but from the comments it seems like a great place. :)

I was rather nervous to go to Simon's Rock because I can be rather shy and reserved at times. Suffice to say, the day before the program I was freaking out but by the dinner of the first day/ sign in day I was actually feeling a lot better. Socially, it was a wonderful atmosphere. It's a small group of people so you end up knowing almost everyone, if only to say hello, and you definitely find people who you can click with. In the workshop and out there is a supportive, accepting... (more »)

ZoeFreplied...Mar. 3, 2014 at 6:55 pm

hey, I'm applying to YWW this summer at bard and I'd love to talk to you about it! if you could reply that'd be great, thanks!

To whomever this may concern: this program is so incredible that I am having a hard time putting my experiences into words.
To start off, the people there are amazing. The staff and all of my fellow writers were honestly the kindest and most supportive group of people I have ever met. I got along with everyone I talked to, hands down. Even though we might not realize it, writing and a dedication to literature form incredibly strong bonds between people- regardless of whether or not we like the... (more »)

I attended the workshop this previous summer, and I absolutely loved it. There is not one thing I can think of that I disliked about it. While there, I felt safe which was important to me seeing as I came from the West Coast. I learned a ton about myself while there, and I wouldn't trade my experience at Simon's Rock for anything.
While there, I learned that there is no right way to write. I became more confident in my writing as well as in myself as a person. The intima... (more »)

When I first heard of the Young Writer’s Workshop, it sounded like a program straight out of a dream – and to my surprise, it lived up to the hype. The campus itself is beautiful, and there are plenty of wonderful nooks and crannies spread all over it. A stone bench by the classrooms was my particular favorite spot. The workshop groups were small, and it led to me really bonding with all of the people in my group. I would definitely encourage anyone attending to really put them... (more »)

I am so glad I participated in Simon's Rock. The people, the scenery, the teachers, everything was great. Well, except for the food. I lost about five pounds because it was so bad. Other than that though, I highly recommend this program. I learned an incredible amount about myself as a writer and a person. I was suprised at how much writing there was, and given that I am dyslexic it was a bit of a struggle, but it was all well worth it. I must say, however, that your experience can vary grea... (more »)

My experience at Simon's Rock was something truly singular (in a good way!). Unlike other writing programs, the Simon's Rock program focuses not only on the organizational aspects of writing, but on the true meaning behind writing. I learned an incredible amount during my time at Simon's Rock and I made wonderful friends. I highly recommend this program. You won't find this individual program anywhere else.

I attended the writing workshop last summer with high expectations. Having attended a different writing program the previous summer, I had an idea of what to expect. Bard at Simon's Rock was hands down my favorite. Three weeks was just enough time to immerse myself in my writing, make great friends and get in touch with my voice. The creative atmosphere was stimulating and inspiring. The most beneficial part for me was the one on one meetings each week with my seminar leader. I left with a b... (more »)

I would definitely recommend the Simon's Rock Young Writer's program--I enjoyed it very much. It is a rather intensive program, for I did not expect that we would be doing as much writing (in class, as well as outside of class for homework and for our weekly portfolios) as we did over the course of the three weeks. Simply the fact that I had so much practice--coupled with with valuable feedback from my fellow group members and from my group leader on our weekly one-on-one conferences--was what I... (more »)

My time at Simon's Rock was, without a doubt, my best and most memorable high school experience thus far. What I learned about myself as a writer, along the people that I met while there, truly made an impact on my life. I feel that I left Simon's Rock with a much broader understanding of what it means to be a writer than I had when I arrived. It's a wonderful feeling knowing that you're a part of such a special, talented, community of young writers who are just as passionate about language and ... (more »)

I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in becoming a better writer. Coming from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, the Massachusetts heat/forests were far from my comfort zone. However, it didn't take long to get used to, and nothing helps writing more than being pushed outside your comfort zone. All of the workshop leaders were fantastic and well-prepared. The students that went were also phenomenal. It was amazing to be surrounded by people passionate about writing, readin... (more »)

This workshop was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It was amazing to be surrounded with passionate, talented, and kind students from around the world who were just as excited about writing as I was. For three weeks I produced an unreal amount of writing, and I am so proud of the final pieces I crafted. There are no words that can fully describe how much I appreciated and enjoyed my time spent at Simon's Rock, but to suffice I highly encourage anyone serious about expanding thei... (more »)

Best month of my life! All of the teachers and people were fabulous. I came out of the progam how with stronger writing skills, and I was proud of the work that I wrote there. Many of my peers there had been to serveral writing camps, and said that this was by far the best.